So...what IS the root of all evil???

Religion

[QUOTE="TecmoGirl"]

Awww!!! Google is SO wrong about that. Women are the brightest lights in the universe.tocklestein2005

Yeah, that's true. Some of us anyways.

I guess the real answer was right in front of me--

Well played, well played.But, aha!

Women takes time and money.

Women = time x money

Time IS money

Women = money x money = money ^ 2

Money is the root of all evil

money = sqrt(evil)
=> money^2 = evil

since women = money^2

women = sqrt evil

I think being selfish.

I dont think there is any person that you can cIassify as evil or benevolent, because we just do good things and we just do bad things. Both, in our lifetime and also in our lifetime we will think of good things and will think of bad things.

In order for one to be evil they would have to have their mind set to evil things at all times (even changing that criterion to "most of the times" wouldnt give us many people since those "most times" should be more important to the "least of times"). Since this cant be true for mentally sane people, then evil, the way you use it, is an exaggeration.

[QUOTE="rawsavon"]

[QUOTE="tocklestein2005"]

Ahh...we are all just warped psyches running around with eeeevil potential inside, waiting, waiting for the push that will drive us over the edge. The root is unique for us all.

Teenaged

I wouldn't say we all are...but I believe the majority of people are evil (and this gets magnified by money and power)
-but there are some genuinely good people that do great things with their money and power

I dont think there is any person that you can cIassify as evil or benevolent, because we just do good things and we just do bad things. Both, in our lifetime and also in our lifetime we will think of good things and will think of bad things.

In order for one to be evil they would have to have their mind set to evil things at all times (even changing that criterion to "most of the times" wouldnt give us many people since those "most times" should be more important to the "least of times"). Since this cant be true for mentally sane people, then evil, the way you use it, is an exaggeration.

I have seen what you would call true evil in people...people that should not be allowed to live
-I do not like to give out too much family information, so I will leave it at that

...but if you have not seen real evil in people, then you are quite lucky

Religion

Buttons1990

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]

I dont think there is any person that you can cIassify as evil or benevolent, because we just do good things and we just do bad things. Both, in our lifetime and also in our lifetime we will think of good things and will think of bad things.

In order for one to be evil they would have to have their mind set to evil things at all times (even changing that criterion to "most of the times" wouldnt give us many people since those "most times" should be more important to the "least of times"). Since this cant be true for mentally sane people, then evil, the way you use it, is an exaggeration.

Engrish_Major

I am only entitled to call him evil because to me and humanity, what he was, disregarding the attrocities he was the cause of, shouldnt matter.

Besides I thought that Hitler was seen as a lunatic (since I said "mentally sane"). Or was he called that in exaggeration?

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]

[QUOTE="rawsavon"]

I wouldn't say we all are...but I believe the majority of people are evil (and this gets magnified by money and power)
-but there are some genuinely good people that do great things with their money and power

rawsavon

I dont think there is any person that you can cIassify as evil or benevolent, because we just do good things and we just do bad things. Both, in our lifetime and also in our lifetime we will think of good things and will think of bad things.

In order for one to be evil they would have to have their mind set to evil things at all times (even changing that criterion to "most of the times" wouldnt give us many people since those "most times" should be more important to the "least of times"). Since this cant be true for mentally sane people, then evil, the way you use it, is an exaggeration.

I have seen what you would call true evil in people...people that should not be allowed to live
-I do not like to give out too much family information, so I will leave it at that

...but if you have not seen real evil in people, then you are quite lucky

True evil is simply true unconsciousness. People completely identified with form and with their Egoic mind. If the world was more consciously evolved, "evil" as we've come to understand it would be nonexistent. It's the world I pray for God to bring back someday soon. The world is unconscious, which is why the world is fallen and until enough people are "woken" up, thought will continue to dominant the human race, and unconsciousness (evil) will continue to reign on the planet.

And here's another thing to consider. Nobody is "evil" or "wrong" given their model of the world. Even Hitler thought he was doing good and helping the world.

[QUOTE="Buttons1990"]

Religion

tocklestein2005

There are a lot of people out there who will ignore the real evils of the world just to get their own political jabs in.

Religion

Buttons1990

Well, Religion is the institution that came up with the very idea of a "root of all evil"... Hmm, it must be a conspiracy :P.

[QUOTE="tocklestein2005"][QUOTE="Buttons1990"]

Religion

Atmanix

There are a lot of people out there who will ignore the real evils of the world just to get their own political jabs in.

It seems like that's the "Other" option in this poll. I know that's why I voted it.

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]

[QUOTE="rawsavon"]

I wouldn't say we all are...but I believe the majority of people are evil (and this gets magnified by money and power)
-but there are some genuinely good people that do great things with their money and power

rawsavon

I dont think there is any person that you can cIassify as evil or benevolent, because we just do good things and we just do bad things. Both, in our lifetime and also in our lifetime we will think of good things and will think of bad things.

In order for one to be evil they would have to have their mind set to evil things at all times (even changing that criterion to "most of the times" wouldnt give us many people since those "most times" should be more important to the "least of times"). Since this cant be true for mentally sane people, then evil, the way you use it, is an exaggeration.

I have seen what you would call true evil in people...people that should not be allowed to live
-I do not like to give out too much family information, so I will leave it at that

...but if you have not seen real evil in people, then you are quite lucky

Actually in the wording of your last sentence there is some truth (imo): "real evil in people". Not "really evil people".

The thing is we all have some evil inside us; some just manage to restrict it and "slap" it with their benevolent side and others dont that much.

But just to understand what you are saying: the people you know and cIassify as evil, what were they like? I mean you dont have to give details just general descriptions.

Were their intentions truly evil, ie they wished most people evil things?

Did they do things that caused a lot of emotional harm to others just to cause emotional harm?

Were they indifferent, as in really REALLY not caring about other people's feelings?

And last question: how did they become like that? Were they always like that?

It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. However, in my speculation I would think that the root of all evil would go deeper then that. Is it selfishness and greed then that is the root of all evil? I would argue this but the common response to this would be an abstinence of seeking anything, even that which is good.

Thus, could it be said that the root of all evil is the lack of love? I'm not speaking about an emotional response but the act of loving one another. If we all earnestly loved one another then there would be no issues with money, selfishness, or greed. Who is it we are lacking in love toward? Jesus says that the Law can be summed up in to two commands, love God and love people.

The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.

Humanity's perception of evil derives from conscience... ironically.

[QUOTE="rawsavon"]

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]

I dont think there is any person that you can cIassify as evil or benevolent, because we just do good things and we just do bad things. Both, in our lifetime and also in our lifetime we will think of good things and will think of bad things.

In order for one to be evil they would have to have their mind set to evil things at all times (even changing that criterion to "most of the times" wouldnt give us many people since those "most times" should be more important to the "least of times"). Since this cant be true for mentally sane people, then evil, the way you use it, is an exaggeration.

MystikFollower

I have seen what you would call true evil in people...people that should not be allowed to live
-I do not like to give out too much family information, so I will leave it at that

...but if you have not seen real evil in people, then you are quite lucky

True evil is simply true unconsciousness. People completely identified with form and with their Egoic mind. If the world was more consciously evolved, "evil" as we've come to understand it would be nonexistent. It's the world I pray for God to bring back someday soon. The world is unconscious, which is why the world is fallen and until enough people are "woken" up, thought will continue to dominant the human race, and unconsciousness (evil) will continue to reign on the planet.

And here's another thing to consider. Nobody is "evil" or "wrong" given their model of the world. Even Hitler thought he was doing good and helping the world.

1. I do not agree that our base desires necessarily= evil (for all people)
...running on your id =/= evil

2. evil and good are subjective...this is all just opinion

3. MOST (not all) people think they are 'good' (rationalization)
-but there are quite a few realists in the world as well

It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. However, in my speculation that seems to me like it is deeper then that. Is it selfishness and greed then that is the root of all evil? I would argue this but the common response to this would be an abstinence of seeking anything, even that which is good. Thus, could it be said that the root of all evil is the lack of love? I'm not speaking about an emotional response but the act of loving one another. If we all earnestly loved one another then there would be no issues with money, selfishness, or greed. Who is it we are lacking in love toward? Jesus says that the Law can be summed up in to two commands, love God and love people. The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.mindstorm

Thank you for putting it into even clearer terms than I could. From what I've learned, most the human race lives identified with form, which creates what in Christianity is called, the Sinful Nature and in New Age beliefs is considered unconsciousness. Many faiths have concepts similar to it, but it is all trying to describe the human dysfunction that all of us possess at various degrees.

Ok lets accept that there are people who are pure evil (or that could be that what they project is that, not that thats what they are 100%), I still dont believe that most people (like you said) are evil.

Everyone has some good and evil tendancies in them...I agree
-just some people I have seen have 99.9% evil in them
-however I have never seen/met a person with 99% good in them (odd)

Actually in the wording of your last sentence there is some truth (imo): "real evil in people". Not "really evil people".

I believe the first statement is true of all people and the second statement is true of some people

The thing is we all have some evil inside us; some just manage to restrict it and "slap" it with their benevolent side and others dont that much.

But just to understand what you are saying: the people you know and cIassify as evil, what were they like? I mean you dont have to give details just general descriptions.

I do not feel comfortable sharing info (too personal for me) about people I KNOW that I would qualify as evil people (not just people with evil in them...like everyone else in the world)

So I will answer the following in general (not specifics)

Were their intentions truly evil, ie they wished most people evil things?

Yes.
They wished to do harm to others...they enjoyed the suffering of others...even when they got no real benefit out it
-did things just so others would suffer

Did they do things that caused a lot of emotional harm to others just to cause emotional harm?

Yes, see above
-they did it for the LULZ basically

Were they indifferent, as in really REALLY not caring about other people's feelings?

Some I have seen...but this is a little different
-detachment =/= sadistic

And last question: how did they become like that? Were they always like that?

I have only known one of these people since their birth...and YES they were/are
-did terrible things even at the earliest of ages for no reason other than to cause suffering

Teenaged

We come up with all sorts of disorders and sicknesses to describe certain people...when, really (IMO) they are just evil
It is more comforting to think of people as 'sick' than evil...that there has to be something wrong with them to make them that way

If evil existed it would be poor people giving birth to children they know they can't support.

[QUOTE="tocklestein2005"][QUOTE="Buttons1990"]

Religion

There are a lot of people out there who will ignore the real evils of the world just to get their own political jabs in.

It IS true!!!

It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. However, in my speculation I would think that the root of all evil would go deeper then that. Is it selfishness and greed then that is the root of all evil? I would argue this but the common response to this would be an abstinence of seeking anything, even that which is good.

Thus, could it be said that the root of all evil is the lack of love? I'm not speaking about an emotional response but the act of loving one another. If we all earnestly loved one another then there would be no issues with money, selfishness, or greed. Who is it we are lacking in love toward? Jesus says that the Law can be summed up in to two commands, love God and love people.

The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.

mindstorm

By your last sentence, would that make all atheists evil?svenus97

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. However, in my speculation I would think that the root of all evil would go deeper then that. Is it selfishness and greed then that is the root of all evil? I would argue this but the common response to this would be an abstinence of seeking anything, even that which is good.

Thus, could it be said that the root of all evil is the lack of love? I'm not speaking about an emotional response but the act of loving one another. If we all earnestly loved one another then there would be no issues with money, selfishness, or greed. Who is it we are lacking in love toward? Jesus says that the Law can be summed up in to two commands, love God and love people.

The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.

svenus97

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. However, in my speculation I would think that the root of all evil would go deeper then that. Is it selfishness and greed then that is the root of all evil? I would argue this but the common response to this would be an abstinence of seeking anything, even that which is good.

Thus, could it be said that the root of all evil is the lack of love? I'm not speaking about an emotional response but the act of loving one another. If we all earnestly loved one another then there would be no issues with money, selfishness, or greed. Who is it we are lacking in love toward? Jesus says that the Law can be summed up in to two commands, love God and love people.

The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.

svenus97

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]

Ok lets accept that there are people who are pure evil (or that could be that what they project is that, not that thats what they are 100%), I still dont believe that most people (like you said) are evil.

Everyone has some good and evil tendancies in them...I agree
-just some people I have seen have 99.9% evil in them
-however I have never seen/met a person with 99% good in them (odd)

Actually in the wording of your last sentence there is some truth (imo): "real evil in people". Not "really evil people".

I believe the first statement is true of all people and the second statement is true of some people

The thing is we all have some evil inside us; some just manage to restrict it and "slap" it with their benevolent side and others dont that much.

But just to understand what you are saying: the people you know and cIassify as evil, what were they like? I mean you dont have to give details just general descriptions.

I do not feel comfortable sharing info (too personal for me) about people I KNOW that I would qualify as evil people (not just people with evil in them...like everyone else in the world)

So I will answer the following in general (not specifics)

Were their intentions truly evil, ie they wished most people evil things?

Yes.
They wished to do harm to others...they enjoyed the suffering of others...even when they got no real benefit out it
-did things just so others would suffer

Did they do things that caused a lot of emotional harm to others just to cause emotional harm?

Yes, see above
-they did it for the LULZ basically

Were they indifferent, as in really REALLY not caring about other people's feelings?

Some I have seen...but this is a little different
-detachment =/= sadistic

And last question: how did they become like that? Were they always like that?

I have only known one of these people since their birth...and YES they were/are
-did terrible things even at the earliest of ages for no reason other than to cause suffering

rawsavon

We come up with all sorts of disorders and sicknesses to describe certain people...when, really (IMO) they are just evil
It is more comforting to think of people as 'sick' than evil...that there has to be something wrong with them to make them that way

The people you describe seem so extreme to me, that I cant help but think impulsively that its just that side of them that you have seen. I mean even the double-faced "snakes" that I know from my hometown, who I cant stand, have emotions and they care for some people, even though many times they will gossip maliciously about many other people or spread false rumours about them.

Could they appear like that because like you mentioned they are relatives of yours and you naturally expect better from them?

Anyway I just think that even what seems as the essence of people is just the surface, even if that surface is too "thivk" to call it a surface when we compare it to the "surface" of other people who may display some evil behavior.

I mean even assuming there are people with such dysfunctional behavior as you describe, imo they are just immature. Literally. Meaning that they havent resolved issues. And when issues we have as teenagers pass to adulthood, their expression of those issues is much more extreme. So I would call them immature and with issues, not evil.

But in the end I am "afraid" that we could trace every person's malicious acts or intentions as expressions of issues, not evil-ness. But then again does that mean that "evil intention" is an emotional exaggeration too rendering the discussion about evil without content? Idk.

But I dont believe that it is just out of comfort that we choose to think of people as "sick" or "with issues" instead of evil. Surely it is comforting but there is some truth in those complements imo.

But then again you have studied psychology not me, so these are just my thoughts.

[QUOTE="svenus97"][QUOTE="mindstorm"]The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.mindstorm

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="svenus97"] By your last sentence, would that make all atheists evil?scorch-62

Lol, Dick Cheney has the most votes. I'd have to say Sex, it leads to many problems. Money and Power also lead to problems, probably the same problems just on a different level. Sex has the implication of Diseases and Spreading of that disease so, I'm going to say it's worse.

I would have said Women if you had it on the list. Women like money(and fancy things that cost lots of money), so guys get money. Women like power, so guys get power. and in the hetero world, women have all the power in the bedroom. so Women are the root of the evil if u ask me. Dont get me wrong, I love women, but I just KNOW they are the root of all evil.

[QUOTE="scorch-62"][QUOTE="mindstorm"] Nope, it makes all of us evil since we all fail to do both. ;)mindstorm

I would have said Women if you had it on the list. Women like money(and fancy things that cost lots of money), so guys get money. Women like power, so guys get power. and in the hetero world, women have all the power in the bedroom. so Women are the root of the evil if u ask me. Dont get me wrong, I love women, but I just KNOW they are the root of all evil.

Talldude80

[QUOTE="svenus97"][QUOTE="mindstorm"]

It is said that the love of money is the root of all evil. However, in my speculation I would think that the root of all evil would go deeper then that. Is it selfishness and greed then that is the root of all evil? I would argue this but the common response to this would be an abstinence of seeking anything, even that which is good.

Thus, could it be said that the root of all evil is the lack of love? I'm not speaking about an emotional response but the act of loving one another. If we all earnestly loved one another then there would be no issues with money, selfishness, or greed. Who is it we are lacking in love toward? Jesus says that the Law can be summed up in to two commands, love God and love people.

The root of all evil is the lack of love toward God and man.

mindstorm

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="scorch-62"] Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa would like a word with you.scorch-62

If it doesnt have to be perfect then its not just Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II who have achieved that. Or someone well-known at that.Teenaged

Well then there is no good is there? But lets say a scientist is working on a curse for cancer, he is an athiest, he would improve makind and for that he would have to love mankind as whole, is he evil?svenus97

Lol, Dick Cheney has the most votes. I'd have to say Sex, it leads to many problems. Money and Power also lead to problems, probably the same problems just on a different level. Sex has the implication of Diseases and Spreading of that disease so, I'm going to say it's worse.

Snipes_2

Lol, Dick Cheney has the most votes. I'd have to say Sex, it leads to many problems. Money and Power also lead to problems, probably the same problems just on a different level. Sex has the implication of Diseases and Spreading of that disease so, I'm going to say it's worse.

Snipes_2

But lets say a scientist is working on a curse for cancer...svenus97

[QUOTE="mindstorm"][QUOTE="svenus97"] By your last sentence, would that make all atheists evil?svenus97

He wouldn't have to love mankind as a whole to work on something that could improve mankind. He could be like House, only in it for the scientific challenge and the credit for curing such an infamous disease. There is plenty of good in the world, but this is a fallen world so unconscious evil is winning out on society.

[QUOTE="Teenaged"]If it doesnt have to be perfect then its not just Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II who have achieved that. Or someone well-known at that.scorch-62

Well then there is no good is there? But lets say a scientist is working on a curse for cancer, he is an athiest, he would improve makind and for that he would have to love mankind as whole, is he evil?svenus97

Greed... Its always about greed.. The greed for power, wealth, etc etc..

[QUOTE="svenus97"] But lets say a scientist is working on a curse for cancer...ghoklebutter

:oops:

Ok and for all those people you know do they actually coexist with others at all? I mean you would expect such people to be (expectedly) secluded from others. I mean how does such a person even deal with others? Do they have friends or a loved one? A boyfriend? A girlfriend? A best friend? Something?

Some function quite well in society (the ones with above average IQ's)
-they are smart enough to do what they want to do toothers while avoiding the vast majority of consequences
-I do not know if they experience love (that is a question for them)
-IMO they do not have what I would call real friendships...but they do hang around people (though the relationships do not last)
-yes, they have had signifigant others...but (like above) the relationships do not last for obvious reasons

There are also those that are not able to function in society
-IMO they are the ones lacking in intelligence and not able to get away with what they want to do..not able to maneuver through society
-they usually end up in jail or dead

The people you describe seem so extreme to me, that I cant help but think impulsively that its just that side of them that you have seen. I mean even the double-faced "snakes" that I know from my hometown, who I cant stand, have emotions and they care for some people, even though many times they will gossip maliciously about many other people or spread false rumours about them.

Some in my family and immediate family...I know them well
-I bought a door lock b/c I feared that they would slit my throat in the night just b/c they could
I will leave it at that

Could they appear like that because like you mentioned they are relatives of yours and you naturally expect better from them?

I do not expect anything of anyone...I am a realist through and through
-I know there are good and evil people, I am quick to peg people accurately, and I accept them for what they are

Anyway I just think that even what seems as the essence of people is just the surface, even if that surface is too "thivk" to call it a surface when we compare it to the "surface" of other people who may display some evil behavior.

We all wear masks...just some people's masks are a bit more 'thin/transparent' than others
-spend enough time around people though and you will eventually see their true nature

I mean even assuming there are people with such dysfunctional behavior as you describe, imo they are just immature. Literally. Meaning that they havent resolved issues. And when issues we have as teenagers pass to adulthood, their expression of those issues is much more extreme. So I would call them immature and with issues, not evil.

The people I know are in their mid 20's at a min. now
Studies also show that these things do not got away over time (people cla$$ified with various disorders...which I do not think they are MOST of the time)

This is part of the problem IMO
-we are quick to label things as disorders, issues, etc b/c it makes US feel better about the world we live in...easier to accept...more comforting

But in the end I am "afraid" that we could trace every person's malicious acts or intentions as expressions of issues, not evil-ness. But then again does that mean that "evil intention" is an emotional exaggeration too rendering the discussion about evil without content? Idk.

I think some people really do have issues/events that happened to themthat made them the way they are
But there is too much information to the contrary to think that is always the case (twin studies, twins being separated studies, same household studies, etc)

But this is all subjective as there is no quantifiable measure of evil

But I dont believe that it is just out of comfort that we choose to think of people as "sick" or "with issues" instead of evil. Surely it is comforting but there is some truth in those complements imo.

Some people are sick, some people do have disorders...don't get me wrong
-but not every sociopath is 'sick'...they do not all have 'issues' or things that happened to them...IMO some people are just evil

But then again you have studied psychology not me, so these are just my thoughts.

They are just my thoughts as well...it is all subjective and opinion from both of us
Nothing wrong with a little healthy discussion

Teenaged

Well then there is no good is there? But lets say a scientist is working on a cure for cancer, he is an athiest, he would improve makind and for that he would have to love mankind as whole, is he evil?

svenus97

[QUOTE="svenus97"]Well then there is no good is there? But lets say a scientist is working on a cure for cancer, he is an athiest, he would improve makind and for that he would have to love mankind as whole, is he evil?

mindstorm

[QUOTE="mindstorm"]

[QUOTE="svenus97"]Well then there is no good is there? But lets say a scientist is working on a cure for cancer, he is an athiest, he would improve makind and for that he would have to love mankind as whole, is he evil?

svenus97

lack of money